Gatsby Wedding

Vintage Wedding Invitations

As we continue our search the perfect vintage wedding accessories we will now look at vintage wedding invitations. We will try to cover what makes a vintage wedding invitation, where to shop for them, and the popular styles classical wedding invitations on the market today.

When planning your vintage wedding you should try to create a balance between buying new and used items. When it comes shopping for true vintage wedding stationary you are probably not going to have a lot of success. Just imagine planning a wedding for 500 guests and trying to find true vintage wedding invites. You would probably have to search every printer press in the world to find that many matching set invitations.

For most of us planning a classical wedding we are going to have to buy vintage styled wedding invitations. Luckily for us a lot of modern wedding invitation designers have caught on to the vintage theme and have a wide selection of traditional wedding invitations.

What Makes a Wedding Invitation Vintage?

Plain and simple, vintage is style of design that was cutting edge at one period of time and the beauty still holds true today. When it comes to vintage wedding invites they are designed after traditional invitations of the past but with a bit of a modern twist.

Natural Themes and Materials – For the natural themes look for floral designs, nature scenes, or trees to be present on the invitations. As for the materials used to highlight a vintage invitation look burlap as it is very popular right now for both home décor and wedding accessory themes.

Being that weddings are a sacred ceremony based upon tradition it is no surprise that vintage weddings are and always will be a popular genre in the wedding industry.

Shopping For Vintage Wedding Invitations Online

As we have stated before and we will say it again. When you are shopping for your wedding start your search online. Shopping online gives you a no pressure approach to finding everything you need. You don’t have to buy for your wedding online it is just a good idea to see what types of vintage wedding products they have and how much they should cost.

We also encourage young couples to step out into their own communities and do some of the browsing and wedding shopping locally. Part of the experience of getting married for a young bride is getting together with her friends and family for a day on the town trying on wedding gowns. We highly suggest you don’t miss out on that process.

Shopping for Vintage Invitations Locally

A trip to your local printer, department store, or craft store is a great place to start your search for your vintage wedding invitations locally. Although we recommend starting your search online, shopping for wedding clothing, decorations, and favors locally is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. Let’s have a better look at some of the local spots where you can find your wedding invitations.

Shopping For Invitations at Local Print Shops

More than likely your local printer press is going to have a large book of sample invitations to choose from. The good thing about deciding to go through the printing press is you can physically hold the sample invitations in your hand and actually feel the quality. Another benefit of buying from a local print shop is the print is going to be perfect. Meaning that you are not going to have to buy additional invitations in case of poor penmanship or errors.

Now for the bad about buying your traditional wedding invitations, save the dates, and R.S.V.P.s from a printer press. The main issue is the cost. In most cases you will find that local print shops charge a lot for their invitations. So if your wedding budget isn’t an issue your local print shop might be the place for you.

Shopping In Department Stores for Wedding Invitations

Department stores are probably the best option for young couples on a tight budget and looking for classical wedding invitations. Although your options will be very limited you will have a vast selection of of traditional white wedding invitations to choose from. Your standard white wedding is still one of the most popular today which is the reason most large department stores carry them.

Department stores are not the best places to go if you are looking for variety. A lot of young couples find that the selection is very limited. Another negative about buying wedding invitations from a department store as you and your husband to be will have to fill out each of the invitations. But if you have more time than money and you are Ok with standard white wedding invites this would be the best option for you to stay on your wedding budget.

Finding Vintage Wedding Invites at Your Local Craft Shop

Another great option for local wedding shoppers is to visit the local craft shop. They have a wide variety of vintage wedding invitation templates that you are your husband to be can customize however you want. The price is usually comparable to what you will find in a department store but you have a wider variety of options. The good thing about shopping at a craft store is you are only limited to your own creativity. All you weekend do it yourselfers may want to design your vintage invites right from the paper selection all the way up to the font, materials, and style.

Popular Themes of Vintage Wedding Invitations

Within the genre of vintage weddings you are going to find a wide variety of sub themes. Each of these themes of wedding have their own design style and features. All of them technically still fall within the vintage wedding invitations market but they are all slightly different.

Let’s have a look at some of these sub themes!

Classic Wedding Invitation Themes

Rustic Vintage Wedding Invitations – A great wedding theme for those of you planning a vintage farm our country wedding. Rustic wedding invitations can feature the images from the natural environment like trees, rivers, and valleys. Also in the sub theme of wedding look for farm images to be featured like horse, fields, and barns.

Burlap Vintage Wedding Invitations – Burlap is rough natural material that can be added to your vintage wedding invites. Burlap is a great way to add texture and another dimension to your wedding invitations.

Vintage Destination Wedding Invitations – Having a destination wedding doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a vintage wedding. Although this niche in the wedding industry is a lot smaller you will still find some quality destination wedding invitations both online and locally.

Vintage Monogram Wedding Invitations – A vintage monogram wedding invitation is the best way to signify the joining of two people. Either you can use the husband’s last initial or you can use the letters of each of your last names.

Vintage Postcard Wedding Invitations – Postcard wedding invitations are a great way to make your announcement to friends and family. Postcard wedding invitations eliminate the need for an envelope and can also be combined with your RSVP.

Save the Dates and R.S.V.P Cards to Complete Your Set

After you have finished finding your perfect vintage wedding invitations either online or at a local boutique you should try to match your invitations to your saves the dates and RSVP cards. Having a matching set is important to most couples but not a necessity.

If you want to mix and match your invitations, save the dates, and R.S.V.Ps by all means do so. It’s your wedding and it should be done how you want it.

5 Vintage Wedding Arches for your Perfect Summer Wedding

Vintage Wedding arches have been termed an important tradition of the big day. They can symbolize a number of things for many out there such as the protection provided from the couple’s parents to the home the newlyweds will build together. Other than religious and cultural aspects, wedding arches can serve a number of purposes in today’s modern era. From providing a focal point to your wedding, to use as a ceremonial backdrop for photographs, to serving an anchor for outdoor non traditional wedding venues, wedding arches help to frame the most important day of your life. Be it intricate floral arbors to elaborate buildups or just simple fabric backdrops, the options are unlimited. Let’s take a glance at our top 5 favorite wedding arches for your perfect summer wedding.

Forest Wedding Arch

Comprising of ferns and white blossoms, this archway is sure to make your guests swoon. Flowering branches combined with soft flowers aim to give that rustic edge to an elegant setup. Hanging lanterns have been replaced with antique birdcages to further enhance that enchanted forest floor outlook. In case you’re aiming for the mystique and oh so fairy tale approach, then this arch is surely for you.

Classic Vintage Wedding Arches

Sometimes less is definitely more. For those who love to keep it traditional, this wedding arch is for you. The timeless classic consists of greenery and white roses, arranged in a graceful manner. The white and green combination gives your guests that subtle yet beautiful touch to your wedding event.

Wedding Arch Crest

Those who wish to exchange vows in front of a serene landscape such as gorgeous mountains and beaches; an extravagant backdrop is needlessly required. All you need to enhance the natural décor of your location is a simple arch in the shape of a crest.

Rustic Aisle Arches

This wedding arch comprises of eight archways that line the aisle. An array of fresh flowers such as baby’s breath, silk wisteria and orchids can be used to create that stunning approach to your décor. The bride is surely to be remembered as she walks towards her groom through each of these beautifully arranged arches.

Flower Covered Gate

The flower covered gate wedding arch is the perfect selection for those getting married at a historical site. It comprises of a romantic canopy covered by a gorgeous array of bouquets as well as a floral adorned antique gate. This will add a relaxed atmosphere to your wedding venue, setting the right tone to great evening. The style would go perfect with a rustic vintage theme.

It’s every couple’s dream to make their wedding day the most memorable event of the year. By selecting the correct wedding arch, you can entirely change the mood of the ceremony, giving it poise and sophistication. So get inspired and set to have the most impressive summer wedding ever.

5 Summer Wedding Hairstyles with BohemianBridal Crowns

Since summer is the perfect and ideal season for a classic and elegant boho wedding it is time to start shopping for you boho themed wedding accessories like a Bohemian Bridal Crowns.

If you are adding a couple of blooms in your hair or going for full unconventional feel, boho trend is ideal for a light-hearted and casual wedding theme. Besides what bridal grandeur essential seizes this bohemian ambiance? You and your Bohemian Princess hairstyle!

Before setting up your magnificence look validate that whichever hair do you pick, and the accompanying accessories, all are complementary your dress, hair texture and face shape, plus cohesive to the aura of your wedding. In case you are channeling Kate Middleton, don’t try too hard with Kate Moss. Hit upon an upbeat harmony like Lauren Conrad. Imagine: does this adornment clash with the dress? Do flower pieces synchronize with a bouquet? No veil or veil?

While blossom crowns are boho staple, they are not the exclusive whimsical embellishment for your special day. This summer, it is all about loose up-dos, soft waves and pretty plaits, adorned with ethereal wedding accessories. These modern styles hook in the romantic spirit and sentimental soul of the big day of your life.

Bloom Comb

We would name this style as ‘undone elegance.’ Cascading pieces and wispy tendrils give this hair-do an organic touch. The precious stone and crystal-gilded blossom comb include a stroke of feminine charm. Match it with a flamboyant dress for an exquisite and effortless look meant for a seaside ceremony.

Botanical Glint

We simply love this low entwined bun. The gleaming, botanical gems and crystal headpiece produce a touch of vintage appeal to this elegant bridal look! Instantly whimsical and regal, it is a perfect and wonderful finishing touch for a bohemian take on a theme inspired by 1920s.

Foliage Bohemian Bridal Crowns

Going for a woodland wedding? The exquisite alternative to the brightly colored floral is an earthy alternative in the form of foliage crown. The best element: it sits on your hair-do. We cherish it with a twisted, laid-back, low pony. Add little flowers in the crown to merge tradition with trend. It is one of the most stunning and natural looks a bride can carry. Incorporate any veil to show off your creativity.

Leaf Half-Diadem

Going for a Santorini-inspired marriage or planning the serene island vibes of the forthcoming honeymoon? Rather than a blossom crown, choose a gold rose half-wreath to beautify your messy bun. Simply awesome! This Boho-meets-Grecian style will certainly enunciate the goddess in you. You can add in ribbons which are an inexpensive and creative accessory. Ribbons also create a DIY touch in the boho atmosphere.

Boho Tassel and Chain Hairvines

Our collection is incomplete without a bohemian multi-chained head pieces. The drama created with these Boho head vines can convert a simple hairstyle into chic and unique for any bride. This exquisitely multi-layered chain completes your signature bohemian wedding theme. These gold and silver hairvines make a gorgeous draping look on lovely braids, simple mushed waves and even if you keep your hair straight and down. You can use separate coordinating hairvines made of stunning warm gold gems to produce the effect. Inter-chained gold vines put in lovely soft glimmer and add dimensions, making a bespoke look to add some wow to your stroll down the aisle.

Vintage Themed Wedding –the Basics of Planning

The golden era was the birthplace of grand romantic gestures, sharp well-fitted suits, flowing extravagant gowns, voluminous waves and frankly, unrealistic expectations. It embodied charm, elegance, class and most importantly romance. The romanticism is enough to whisk you off into another alternate universe and make you swoon in awe. If you have spent your years ogling over the timeless classics of Hollywood and dreaming of Cary Grant sweeping you off of your feet on the top of the Empire State building, then having a vintage themed wedding is your calling. It will add the perfect hint of nostalgia to your celebration whilst giving it a unique touch away from the usual, repetitive arrangement.

Some might be worried, isn’t the theme too restricting? You are in luck because there is an entire of a sea of possibilities that you can experiment with. From wedding dresses and fashion to the interior décor, food, and drinks, you will find yourself with countless options to ponder over. To add your own exclusive and contemporary touch to things, you can always customize them whilst seeking inspiration from the classics.

So, where to start? Choose your favorite era of the past. Seek inspiration from your favorite movies, books, or your grandparent’s wedding photographs or nuptials, anything that gets the creative juices flowing. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and magnificence of the past, envision your wedding in your head and start planning. Here are some basics to help you out.

Venue Choice and Décor

Finding the perfect venue will determine the general vintage vibes in your wedding. It depends heavily on what era you plan on going for the theme. List your possibilities in accordance, for example, if you wish to have a Gatsby-themed celebration with all the 1920’s glory, a ballroom would be a perfect choice.

For a more intimate setting, country houses with an exquisite garden or a barn will be the best canvas for the wedding planner to paint on. If you wish to keep the course of things more traditional, you can always go for a church ceremony. For those amongst us who want a beautiful modern touch to the vintage splendor, you can opt for a vineyard, a vintage mansion’s long lawn, or a hotel and then customize your décor with the help of your planner.

Your décor can make or break the theme. Pay special attention to details such as color scheme, fabric choice, and lighting. Vibrant, spunky colors are more peculiar to the late 50’s and 60’s whereas, the muted pastels are more modern. The fabric is particularly important as lace and silk dominated in the past. Incorporate these into your décor in accordance with the venue and general setting. For lighting, chandeliers and candles and lamps are your most obvious choices. Candles in antique holders or glass jars look absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Play with them and find your perfect setting.

The Bridal Gown and the Groom’s Suit

The search for a dress or a suit can get difficult if you are looking at bridal stores that normally focus on contemporary designs. Thanks to independent businesses, you can now find designers online who specialize in vintage dresses or are willing to make you a custom dress.

For men, you can always get a tailored, well-fitted suit to compliment the theme. Set up appointments and discuss your ideas with them and what they might be able to help you out with. If you wish to don a family heirloom like your mother’s or your grandmother’s wedding dress, there truly is nothing better. Try adding your unique touch to it if you wish by making small additions with detailing. It is your wedding and you deserve to wear what you want and look your absolute best.

Accessories, Hair, and Makeup

You couldn’t find a classic gown and you just cannot take your eyes off this contemporary number, then just accessorize. Accessorizing appropriately can switch your look up without too much effort. A string of pearls is your safest option if you are feeling clueless. As Jackie Kennedy aptly quotes, “Pearls are always appropriate.” Try out hairpieces or a birdcage veil for some added glamour to your vintage look. Perhaps a crown or a tiara fit for a queen and suspenders for your beau. Another gorgeous addition can be a beautiful cascading bouquet with pastel colored flowers to bring the whole look together.

Vintage just reminds me of impeccably styled hair and flawless outfits. Slick, gelled back side parts were the staple for men. They were clean, sexy and polished. As for women, it was all about the volume and drama. Perfect set waves with beautiful side parts were legendary. In addition to that, the makeup was minimal yet very statement. They were not afraid to rock a bold lip. A classic red bold lip, thick winged eyeliner, and beautiful waves, paint a picture in your mind, yet? It’s simple yet iconic. For those who want to keep things less daring, go for something softer like monochromes and pastels.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Dressing For A Vintage Themed Wedding

Don’t leave out your girlfriends and best mates from all the fun. For the ladies, you can find a wide array of designs to fit the retro glam theme. Play with flares, lace, chiffon, ruffles, sequins, beads, etc. The world is your oyster. Instead of picking out the same outfit for every bridesmaid, you can opt for a variety. Different dresses with similar cuts and designs, in the same color scheme to match the theme, can add a fun twist to the usual monotonous same dress policy. Accessorize your favorite ladies with beads, pearls, chunky bracelets or statement headbands to complete the look.

Men are often left out in this entire montage. With all the chaos of finding the perfect dress for the bride and the dresses for her bridesmaids, I’m sure the groomsmen must be feeling a little neglected. They key is to find something that fits the theme and allows the groom and the groomsmen to reflect their personal styles. Mismatched suits for the groom and the groomsmen, waistcoats, tweed suits, braces, and suspenders are your basic starter’s guide. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with bold colors or prints for that matter. Let your personality shine through your style. Also, a color and print variety means everyone gets to wear what they please. Everyone’s happy they attended your vintage themed wedding.

Vintage Themed Wedding Menus and Table Settings

It’s not a vintage wedding if you are not incorporating any inspiration into your menu. Do some research on the most popular drinks of the era and make sure to add those on your specials list for the big day, the more the better.

The naked cake makes a true vintage style so it’s surely a yes for your Wedding cake! As for the food, discuss your ideas with your caterer about details such as food presentation or innovative ideas to make it more era-appropriate. The fusion menu inspired from early and mid 19th century with a touché of modern twist would create splendor for your guests.

You want your guests to be transported to the past. Try finding recipes from the era and sit down with your caterer to discuss the possibility of him recreating some of them. A better option would be finding old family recipes and simply recreating those with a contemporary culinary twist. For small intimate events, many times the family decides to prepare the wedding feast themselves.

Vintage Themed Wedding Favors

Wedding favors have gained some popularity over the years. It is a token of appreciation for attending their celebration and a small reminder of your wedding festivities. Couples often invest a lot of time and thought into how to make their big day memorable through wedding giveaways. For a vintage themed wedding, you can let all your creative juices flowing because the options are endless. Little personalized jars filled with old-fashioned candy is a great hit with children. As for the adults, scented candles are a great idea in vintage teacups. You can go for something homely like your grandmother’s famous jam in jam jars with a personalized note attached. For those who wish to be more extravagant, try a perfume or other bathroom essentials like oils and soap bars, wrapped in lace or ribbon. There are quite literally thousands of different ideas online. Pick your favorite and give your guests a cute parting gift.

The romanticism, drama, and charm of the past encapsulate your mind and transport you to a time when things were easier and simpler –this is what a vintage themed wedding is all about. It was a time of immaculately dressed individuals with flawless hair, a glamorous, yet minimalistic approach towards life. There was splendor, celebration, and peace. Your wedding should be the biggest day of your life. It is the day you say yes to your one true love and watch your dreams become a reality. From the moment you walk down the aisle to the moment you and your beloved share your first dance, it should all be how you imagined. If you imagined yourself in the 1950’s in a beautiful lace gown, a crown on your head with your man waiting for you like he just walked out of a Hollywood classic, then so be it. It is your day. Take your guests on a journey, give yourself and them the full experience and most importantly, have fun on the day you commemorate your love.

Vintage Gold Lace Wedding Garters Set

This vintage gold lace wedding garters set is perfect for the bride and groom planning a Gatsby themed wedding. Allow your guests to take a step back in time to the 1920’s to 1930’s when opulence and class reigned supreme. A roaring twenties inspired wedding reception will be a wedding day that your guests are sure to remember as fondly as you do. The prosperity of those times allowed people of all ages to live life to it’s fullest. No wonder the fashion trends of those days are inspiring brides and grooms from across North America to live it up a little even if it is just for one day.

One of the only issues with planning a Gatsby themed wedding is you are probably not going to find items like that garter above at your local department store. Items like this are usually custom made by very talented designers from around the world. No you don’t have to board the next flight to Paris to find a vintage garter as beautiful as this one. There are plenty of talented designers at lot closer to your home.

A Time Honored Tradition

The removal of the garter belt is a time honored tradition that usually takes place at a wedding reception. After a night of champagne, a wonderful dinner, and a night of dancing the removal of the garter will signal to your guests that the night is almost over for them but it is just beginning for this newlywed couple.

This wedding tradition where the groom removes the garter belt from the bride started a very long time ago. In the past though the groomsmen would rush the bride to remove a piece of clothing as they thought it was good luck. The ceremony was thought to represent that the bride was about to lose her virginity. As we all know that ceremony is a lot less threatening for the bride. It is still thought that the article of clothing that is taken from the bride will be lucky but now it will only bring good luck to the single guy that catches the garter. It is exactly like the tossing of the bouqet for the single ladies at the wedding. In this case though the single guy who catches the garter is thought to be the next one to get married.

Not only does this lace garter set highlight the the chic style of a roaring twenties it would also go very well with a bohemian wedding dress. The floral design and natural colors will shine in the natural lights and tones only found in an outdoor wedding.